Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing over half a million in financial supports this year for individuals pursuing a frontline paramedic career in Saskatchewan.
The province announced the decision in a press release on Thursday. Training bursaries will be available to students and new graduates of paramedic programs that commit to joining Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Saskatchewan. The bursaries will continue to be administered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
“This program experienced a high success rate last year with 90 bursaries awarded to deserving recipients that will strengthen our province’s current and future paramedic workforce,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said in the press release. “Our government is pleased to again offer supports that will assist Saskatchewan residents wanting to study and work in the EMS field, especially in rural communities.”
This year, the Province will provide a one-time funding of $530,000 for roughly 58 bursaries to support paramedic training for EMS providers within the province. Bursaries will range from $5,000 for urban communities to $10,000 in rural and northern communities.
Local healthcare providers like Parkland Ambulance welcomed the news.
“I want to applaud the Government of Saskatchewan for once again making this a priority because it is so important to not only our service but to the praramedic service in Saskatchewan. We really appreciate the extra funding,” said Lyle Karasiuk, Director of Public Affairs for Parkland Ambulance. “The effect of this is that we are going to be able to recruit and retain more paramedics to help with the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges.”
Karasiuk said a couple of Parkland Ambulance employees benefited from last year’s bursary, so he is glad to see it being offered again.
“Its a huge bonus. We are getting people into a profession which needs people. This bursary comes with employment and it means recruitment and retention is getting a boost,” Karasiuk said.
Provincial organizations like the Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan (PSCS) also supported the decision. PSCS vice-president Jessica Brost said the there is a pressing shortage of healthcare professionals in the province, and this bursary will help address the issue.
“By offering financial support to those pursuing careers as paramedics, the government is not only easing the burden of education costs but also actively encouraging more individuals to enter this vital field,” Boost said in a press release. “This investment will ensure that paramedics will be able to provide emergency medical services across Saskatchewan for years to come, especially in our rural areas.”
Paramedic training programs in Saskatchewan are primarily offered through Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatchewan’s regional colleges. Medavie HealthEd also provides an Advanced Care Paramedic program.
To qualify for the bursaries, candidates need to meet the criteria as specified in ob the website.
“We are excited about the Government of Saskatchewan’s continued commitment to supporting paramedic training in Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Provincial Clinical and Support Services Vice President Bryan Witt said in a press release. “Last year’s bursary program was a great success and allowed qualified applicants to receive essential financial aid for their education. The additional funding for the 2024-25 academic year will further strengthen the future of paramedicine in our province. A well-trained workforce is vital to meeting the growing health care needs of our communities.”
